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Funeral Services:

Pastor Wanda Willo Butler of Eaton Rapids went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2019 at the age of 90. Wanda was born in Alma, February 21, 1929, the daughter of Robert and Thelma (Stoner) Wing. She graduated from Sexton High School and followed her calling to be a pastor with the Christian Fellowship Center in Eaton Rapids. Wanda owned the Whispering Pines Adult Foster Care Center in Lansing and was also a real estate agent. She loved to share the Lord with family and friends, write songs, sew, and spend time with her beloved family.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Tamera (Carlin) Ramey of Eaton Rapids, Tanya (Larry) Beckner of Lansing, Sarah (Timothy) Cross of Lansing; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 14 great great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Wing, Rockney (Beverly) Wing; sister, Thelma Crabb; several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tianne Cross; and husband, Phillip Butler.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Calvary Grace Church, located at 915 Water Street in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Rockney Wing officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. 

To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Rose B. (Longley) Woodbury, a loving mother, grandmother and friend, died Monday, March 11, 2019. Rose, 84, was born September 13, 1934 in Apison, Tenn. to Preston and Lillie (McDonald) Longley. She married Merrill “Bill” on November 4, 1968 and created their legacy until his passing in 2003. Growing up on the farm taught Rose many life skills that she would use throughout her life. She was tough as nails and could outwork most men on the farm. She was a fixer and would repair the washer/dryer, lawnmower and the family car. There was not one task that Rose could not complete. Rose was known for her large flower and vegetable gardens, she would keep her children and grandchildren busy with the countless hours weeding and harvesting. Fishing was a great enjoyment for her as well. Rose has devoted her life to helping others. From working as a nurses aid to babysitting the grandchildren, she was there for others. Her selfless attitude made her the glue that held her family together. Above all Rose loved spending time with her family. 

Rose is survived by her loving family; children, George Pope, Merrill Woodbury, Jennifer (Doug) Becker, Danny Woodbury, Tracy Woodbury, Karen Woodbury and LuCinda Woodbury; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Rose was predeceased by her husband, siblings, and parents.  

Funeral services were held Friday, March 15, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rose on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. 

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Funeral Services:

Patricia Annette Mathews, 74, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born July 5, 1944, in Bloomington, Ind., the daughter of Paris and Jewel (Knight) Thrasher. Annette was a proud Hoosier and a huge Indiana University basketball fan. If at all possible, she tried to never miss a game. She was also an avid quilter and member of the Across the Square Quilters Quilt Guild in Charlotte. Annette was an active member of the Chief Okemos Sportsmen’s Club and took a special interest in their Junior Trap Program. 

She is survived by her children, Raymond Mathews of Lansing, Christine (Brett) Hake of Mattawan; grandchildren, Kelsey McClung, Alexis McClung, Taylor Hake; and siblings, Judy (Ron) Golota of Bath and Roger (Linda) Thrasher of Lansing. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, John R. Mathews, in 2011.

A memorial service was held on Friday, March 15, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment took place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Annette’s memory to the Chief Okemos Sportsmen Club-Junior Trap Program, 4667 N. Gunnel Road, Dimondale, MI 48821.

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Funeral Services:

Martha Vivian (Brooks) Flower, 97, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in Lansing. Vivian, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on August 11, 1921 in Cloverdale, Mich. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1939 and from what is now Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education.  After graduation from college, she taught kindergarten in Lowell. 

Following the war, she married her childhood sweetheart, Marvin Flower, on February 3, 1946 in Cloverdale. In 1947 they moved to Charlotte to pursue their teaching careers and start their family. Dedication to children was always a priority for Vivian. She was instrumental in the formation and development of Charlotte’s first nursery school, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, but many knew her as their third grade teacher at either Southridge or Galewood Elementary Schools in Charlotte.  

Many summers were spent at the family cottage on Little Guernsey Lake in Barry County, where she cooked up great meals for anyone who happened to stop by for a visit. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake pies and cookies.  Following their retirement from teaching in 1980, she and Marvin travelled to many destinations including winters in Texas and trips to Australia, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and Italy. 

Her faith in God and membership in the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church was her foundation. She possessed a gift for music, loved to play the piano and sing, and was a long-time member of the church choir. She was a dedicated member of the Hayes Green Beach Auxiliary and volunteered at the Gift Basket for many years. She also was a member of the Charlotte Women’s Club.

She had a pleasant disposition and a keen, dry wit. In her later years she loved watching Tigers baseball and Spartan basketball while at her apartment in Hope Landing in Charlotte.  

Her family was her strength and she was so proud of her children, grandchildren and especially being “GGma” to her nine wonderful great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Marvin; daughter-in-law, Caterina Flower; and grandson-in-law Kevin VanZanten.  

She is survived by sons, Douglas of La Jolla, Calif., Raymond (Joy) of Potterville, and Frederick (Lisa) of Delton; grandchildren, Stefano Flower of La Jolla, Emily (Alex) Lengacher, of New Haven, Ind., and Kristin (Mike) Vorce of East Grand Rapids; and nine great-grand children, Joey, Brianna, Evan, Jesse, Claire, Levi, Leah, Seth and Andrew. Vivian is also survived by a brother, Robert (Beverly) Brooks of Hastings, many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Gary Wales officiating. A visitation with the family will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Private family interment will take place at Prairieville Cemetery in Prairieville, Mich. 

Those desiring, may make a contribution in Vivian’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

William J. “Bill” Brown III, 70, of Eaton Rapids, passed away at his home on Friday, March 8, 2019. He was born March 27, 1948, in Pontiac, the son of William and Frances (Long) Brown. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966. He then went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army. Bill received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Ferris State University in 1973. After graduation, Bill worked with his family at Brown’s Pharmacy in Charlotte and later for Spartan Stores in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids. Bill enjoyed hunting, golf, and collecting old cars in his spare time.

Bill is survived by his son, Justin (H.P.) Brown of Rives Junction; grandson, Zane M.H. Brown; brothers, Dave Brown of Lake Odessa, Robert “Bo” (Cecille) Brown of Florida; nieces, Tessa (Chris) Wackerle, Marci (Marcel) Pfeiffer, Mary Brown; nephews, Ian (Danielle) Brown, Adam (Stephanie) Brown; and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Wes Emerson officiating. The family received friends on Friday, March 15, 2019, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the VFW Children’s Home, 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.

To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

I was born September 1, 1973 and I died February 14, 2019.

I graduated from Charlotte High School in 1991. Later, I continued my education at Baker College, earning a Doctorate Degree in Business. Statistics was my favorite and usually I could figure out issues brought to me. I worked as a registrar at Sanford Brown University for a few years. I loved the beach and played beach volleyball whenever I could. I even won a few tournaments.  Also, I played mean drums taught to me by my dad.

Alcoholism shortened my life considerably, and toward the end of my life, I realized how many people I hurt because of it. I am very grateful to the many people, family and friends who helped me and didn’t judge me. They just loved me. They tried to help me out of my addiction. I married the love of my life, Katherine, and regret how my alcoholism ended my marriage.

I learned more about God the last few years of my life thanks to family and friends who not only cared for my earthly well being, but my eternal wellbeing as well. I knew that I would be in heaven when I died. I just didn’t know it would be this soon.

People told me I was a funny guy, but I knew that. I was hiding my demons through humor and silliness. My heart was always drawn to the less fortunate and loved being able to help them, even if it was only an encouraging word.

I hope in my death, at such a young age, I can urge those who are addicted to seek help.

I am survived by my son, Dominic Curtis, and my dad, Rick and Jan (my mom the last 25 years).

I am also survived by my brothers, Aaron and Adrian; and my sister, Tamal; stepbrothers, Bob and Jon Grinstead and all their families, including many nieces and nephews who I loved being silly with.

Upon my death, I am being welcomed into heaven by my mom, Anna; my step-sister, Jill Grinstead and three grandpas.

I will be there with you in spirit at my memorial service, which will be Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11 a.m.

Visitation will be a half hour prior to the service at Charlotte Assembly of God, located at 1100 E. Clinton Trail in Charlotte. A light luncheon will immediately follow my service.

May God Bless you all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Holy Cross Services.

My family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Jobie Moist, 73, a hard-working and deeply strong mother and grandmother, died Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Lansing. She was born September 6, 1945, the daughter of Pedro and Felicitas (Rodriguez) Silvas in New Braunfels, Texas. Jobie worked 16 years on the line at Aluminum Extrusion until their closure. She then served in the Washington School cafeteria and, eventually in the ladies’ clothing department at Meijer in Charlotte. In 1991, she completed her education and received her diploma.

She was a dedicated member of the Eaton Area Senior Center, where she participated in countless events, even dressing in costumes to entertain other members and her grandchildren. Many family members knew her as the “text savvy aunt,” as she was very active on Facebook thanks to the help of her grandchildren. She dedicated countless hours to spending time with family, and especially loved supporting the kids at soccer matches, where she was unafraid to correct the referees. She was a huge Detroit Tiger’s fan, and also had a soft spot for the music of Elvis Presley.

Jobie demonstrated a strong faith, and a strong resolve. She was always smiling, regardless of health trials, including being a 21-year breast cancer survivor and kidney transplant survivor. Her family will miss evenings playing cards and having fun, especially at Christmas time.

Jobie is survived by her daughter, Gina (Darry) Brown; grandchildren, Allie and Coy; siblings, Mary Cruz, Sid Silvas, Pete Silvas, and Bruce Silvas; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.  

She is predeceased by her parents; husband, William Moist; siblings, Pedro Silvas, Juan Silvas, Frank Silvas, David Silvas, and Matilde Silvas.

A funeral Mass of Celebration was held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Senior Center. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jobie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.  

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Funeral Services:

Sylvia Mae (Stephens) Criss, 102, of New Sharon, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March, 4, 2019 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Sylvia was born September 3, 1916 in Lacey, Iowa to Oscar and Hettie (McCain) Stephens. She married the love of her life, Ed Criss, on September 20, 1936. Together they journeyed through life for the next 56 years until Ed passed in December 1992. She bravely ran the family household, raising two toddlers and a young sister-in-law, while Ed was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. When her husband was sent home critically injured, she continued to care for everyone while nursing him back to health and eventually gave birth to their third son. The couple became very active in their community, with Sylvia playing the role of team mother to the many, many athletes Ed coached throughout the years. She won numerous awards for her gardening and needlework talents. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in New Sharon and was a founding member of the 50+ Club.

But most of all, Sylvia will be remembered as the loving matriarch of her family. 

She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Bilge) Criss and Donald (Jan) Criss; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Criss; as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death were her beloved Ed; son, Norman; granddaughter, Lisa; and great-granddaughter, Kelly.

Services for Sylvia will be on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon, Iowa. Family visitation is at 9 a.m. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. 

Memorial gifts may be made to The  Lansing City Rescue Mission: donatenow.networkforgood.org/1439238?code=Donate+Button.

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Funeral Services:

Charlene J. Bartha, 77, of Bellevue, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

Charlene was born on December 29, 1941 in Marshall. She was the daughter to Charles W. and Dorothy A. (Jeffery) Quick. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1959 and from Kellogg Community College with a degree in accounting. She married her sweetheart, Edward J. Bartha on June 15, 1963. He preceded her in death in January 2004.

Charlene worked many years in the banking world and finally retired from Keiper-Recaro (Atwood/Excel) as an accountant. Charlene grew up on a farm loving the outdoors and helping her dad, but her excitement always drifted toward rides on his old John Deere tractors.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, but spending time with family and friends was her passion. Charlene also enjoyed receiving phone calls and visits from her grandchildren along with holding a special bond with Holly her rescue toy poodle.  She spent many memorable years watching her grandchildren participate in sporting events.

She is survived by her children, Lynda (Ron) Colvin of Kalamazoo, Edward (Heidi) Bartha of Bellevue, and Charlie (Cindy) Bartha of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Ryon, Allison, Elizabeth, Chelsea, Kenneth, Jared, and Bryce; and one great-grandson, Bowen.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a sister, Eleanor Petersen.

Funeral services have already been held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial tributes may be made to the Bellevue Fire Department. Arrangements were made by the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.

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Funeral Services:

Doris A. Sutherland, 102, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Service in Charlotte. She was born November 16, 1916, in Grand Ledge, the daughter of William and Clara Bell (Roe) Criss. She attended country school in Grand Ledge. Doris married Frank B. Sutherland. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a Detroit Tigers fan her entire life. Doris enjoyed bowling, playing cards, scrap booking, and tending to her magnificent flower gardens. 

Doris is survived by her son, Dick (Jan) Sutherland of Coldwater; daughter, Dorene (Jim) Woolworth of Edmore; daughter-in-law, Charlene Sutherland of Charlotte; 12 grandchildren; numerous great- and great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; sons, Bradford and William Sutherland; brothers, Dudley and Dale, and sister, Rose. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. Interment followed at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Doris’s memory to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Service Activities Department. 

To view Doris’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.